Aloe vera shots and facial mists may seem like all the rage these days, though these remedies are much more than another passing trend.

The aloe vera plant, also known as "the lily of the desert," is a succulent. Aloe-based products and the plant itself is used to heal scrapes, cool sunburn, and relieve pain from minor cuts. Its uses go far beyond treating bug bites and boo-boos for kids—it has become a go-to for soothing digestive tracts and has become a key ingredient in beauty products and rituals. Aloe vera can be helpful for supporting thyroid and intestinal health, too.

Before starting any new skin-care regimen or taking aloe orally, talk to your doctor, as it's still potent medicine (even if it comes from a plant).

Aloe vera juice vs. aloe vera gel:What's the difference between the gel and the juice that come from the aloe vera plant? Both the gel and the juice are beneficial and may come from different parts of the plant, with each bringing its own individual uses and healing properties.

Aloe vera juice is produced either from the whole leaf or just the inner portion (the composition of juice should be specified on the label) and is consumed orally as a health tonic. This health tonic has immune-boosting and digestive-stimulating effects. The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine reports that aloe vera juice is used to treat asthma, epilepsy, and osteoarthritis. The skin of the aloe leaf outputs a bitter liquid that is a potent laxative, which is why many prefer to seek aloe vera juice that originates from the inner fillet only, to avoid the laxative effect. Talk to your doctor before taking aloe, especially if you use it as a laxative—it could lower blood glucose levels and reduce the effectiveness of medication when taken orally.

A clear gel can be found inside the leaves, which is often used topically. The gel is a skin-soothing salve for sunburns and is a classic remedy for minor cuts and burns. The University of Maryland Medical Center, or UMMC, reports that glycoproteins and polysaccharides in aloe vera gel, among other vitamins and minerals, are responsible for its healing power.

What to look for when buying aloe vera:Aloe vera is a true medicinal plant. Inside the stiff and prickly stalks is the good, healing stuff: a clear jelly that feels fresh to the touch. The thick, green outer must be filleted off in order to consume this potent medicinal food, with the soft gel being highly concentrated with long-chain sugars—the same polysaccharides mentioned above—and glycoproteins that may provide satiation, long-term energy production, anti-inflammatory properties, and immune-enhancing qualities.

When buying aloe vera, know that the best source is straight from the plant! If you don’t have an aloe plant at home yet, you can likely find aloe leaves or even full-grown plants at your local organic grocery, plant nursery, or farmers markets—but, buyer, please beware! It is only the aloe barbadensis variety that is nontoxic and safe to use internally, and where you get it matters. Look for an organic plant grown free of pesticides. Alternatively, pick up a clean, upstanding brand: Lily of the Desert and Mountain Rose Herbs are my personal go-to's. I don’t widely recommend you use many of the store-bought aloe vera concentrates or drinks, as many contain preservatives and lack the medicinal-grade qualities that provide the benefits we're looking for.